Arsenal tasted defeat for the second match running on Wednesday evening as they were beaten 3-2 by Villarreal at the Emirates. The visitors came into the affair winless in four pre-season outings, but fought hard for their first victory of the summer, defending valiantly under heavy pressure for much of the match.

Arsenal have finished second in the Premier League for the past three seasons. Can the Gunners make the leap to top the table?

Arsenal’s first game at the Emirates Stadium in 2025–26 ended in a disappointing 3–2 defeat at the hands of Villarreal. The Gunners enjoyed successive wins over AC Milan and Newcastle United in Singapore to kickstart their summer schedule.